Irrigation policies in Cayambe, Ecuador before and after 2007

The differences between neoliberalism and post-neoliberalism have been debated on several levels: from the recognition of the terms to specific applied policies. The present document examines the differences between these two periods in terms of water politics, using the case of an Andean region in Ecuador (Cayambe and Tabacundo). This region has a history of social struggles over water access and distribution, and there is competing needs for the use of water between flower farms and indigenous communities. Through the examination of the implemented water politics, it’s argued that there is a dichotomy between the normative and the day-by-day politics. Normatively the differences on water politics in post-neoliberalism marks a turning point, engaging with a different development paradigm, assuming new priorities on water distribution and recognizing community water management. While the applied politics and plans show a greater state control on water management; it also results in the marginalization of communities participation in decision-making power through the establishment of a -state wide- hierarchy on water management structure in the rural areas. Also, the implementation of new infrastructure for irrigation unbundles pre-established social relations on a community water management that surged as a protest of neoliberal water policies.